Apparatus and method for enhanced training using an eliptical exercise machine

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for use in conjunction with an elliptical exercise machine comprises a front strap encircling a front portion of a foot pedal affixed to the elliptical exercise machine, a rear strap over a rear portion of the foot pedal, an ankle strap affixed both medially and laterally to the rear strap, and a keel strap connecting the front strap and the rear strap wherein the keel strap is positioned on the underside of the foot pedal. The front strap of the apparatus secures a user&#39;s forefoot on a top side of the foot pedal and the rear strap along with the ankle strap secure the user&#39;s back foot on the top side of the foot pedal. The apparatus provides a resistance in a return stroke of both forward power stroke and reverse power stroke thereby allowing active participation of eccentric and concentric muscle groups in each forward and reverse power strokes and prevents the slippage and lift-off of user&#39;s foot that is typically associated with exercises performed using an elliptical exercise machine.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

The present invention relates exercise equipment and more specifically relates to enhancing the effectiveness of exercising.

2. Background Art

A variety of machines have been developed to strengthen and condition leg muscles as time and space constraints prevent many persons from participating in activities such as running, swimming, walking, climbing, jumping, skiing etc. While a number of different exercise systems are available in the market including treadmills, stepping machines, and various types of sliding machines, elliptical exercise machines have also proven to be popular as effective exercise products. Elliptical exercise machines provide similar exercise benefits of the other machines with reduced stress and strain on the legs through an elliptical motion. These are considered “low impact” workout machines because the motion is relatively easy on the joints and limit the impact on the body, while optimizing the cardiovascular benefits, thus creating a total body workout routine. Elliptical exercise machines can not only help a user reduce weight by burning calories, but these machines are also considered one of the safest workout choices for older people or individuals recovering from a joint injury.

While the use of elliptical machines is known to be an effective exercise option, these machines still exhibit certain shortcomings that limit their benefits and/or include unnecessary risks and undesirable features. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,726,600 and 5,921,894 describe compact elliptical exercise devices that simulate walking and jogging with arm exercise. One problem with these systems is that there are chances for the user's foot to slip on the pedal, both during the forward stroke and the reverse stroke. The chance of slipping is at a maximum at the extremes of these strokes when body weight is minimal on one foot and the majority of the user's body weight is being transferred from the other foot. The slippage gives the sensation of instability to the user that can cause a reduction in the user's exertion, and it may also result in a complete loss of footing. In the worst case, the user may actually fall from the machine. In these situations, the efficiency of the workout is reduced and the safety of the user may be compromised.

A second problem with these existing elliptical trainers is that the user's foot may lift completely off of the pedal during an upstroke. This foot lift-off from the pedal can be dangerous, as it may lead to falls and also tends to increase the level of impact in the user's joints at the beginning of the subsequent down stroke when the foot returns to the pedal. This tends to reduce the benefit of the low-impact exercise desired from the elliptical trainer. Also, when the foot lifts off the pedal of the exercise machine, the relationship between the user's effort and the machine's resistance is severed, and the efficiency of the entire activity is reduced.

A device with an adjustable pedal angle for exercisers is described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,276,017. Though the user can operate the handle to adjust the position of the pedal more easily and conveniently, this device also has the same limitations mentioned above. Some other similar devices include U.S. Pat. No. 6,190,289, U.S. Pat. No. 6,500,096, U.S. Pat. No. 6,123,650, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,165,107. Many of these devices include pedals that are designed to optimize user safety and exercise productivity, but do not significantly reduce the chance of slipping and lift-off.

Moreover, with approach of the above-mentioned devices, when the user is performing a forward power stroke, the power stroke pushes the foot backward against the machine's resistance, and the return stroke brings the foot forward with minimum resistance. Likewise, when the user is performing a reverse power stroke, the return stroke brings the foot backward with minimum resistance. Thus the primary concentric muscles are employed only during the forward power stroke and the eccentric muscles are employed only during the reverse power stroke. With all of these devices, only one set of muscles is being employed while the other relaxes which is a relatively inefficient, and generally sub-optimal exercise routine.

Accordingly, there remains a need for an improvement in the state of the art for exercising performed in conjunction with an elliptical exercise machine that reduces or eliminates the issues associated with slippage and lift-off of the user's foot. Further, an enhanced elliptical exercise training system would promote active participation of both eccentric and concentric muscle groups during each foot stroke to increase the efficiency of the time spent on the device. As with any improved exercise device, while enhancements are desirable, any alterations should be as simple, inexpensive, easy to use, and reliable as possible.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The most preferred embodiments of the present invention comprise an apparatus that provides “positional fixation” of a user's foot relative to the pedal of an exercise machine or, in other words, physically “connects” the user's feet to the pedals of an elliptical exercise machine during the exercise routine. The most preferred embodiments of the present invention comprise a plurality of interconnected straps with a front strap encircling a front portion of a foot pedal of the elliptical exercise machine, a rear strap over a rear portion of the foot pedal, an ankle strap sewn both medially and laterally to the rear strap, and a keel strap connecting the front strap and the rear strap wherein the keel strap is positioned on a bottom side of the foot pedal. The front strap secures a user's forefoot on a top side of the foot pedal and the rear strap along with the ankle strap secure the user's hind foot on the top side of the foot pedal. The apparatus set forth herein enhances the user's ability to maintain a relatively constant and stable connection between the foot and the foot pedal of the elliptical exercise machine, thereby minimizing slippage and lift-off of the user's foot. This reduces or eliminates the dangers associated with the separation of the foot and the pedal and allows the user to maximize the effectiveness of the exercise period.

The apparatus is sewn to the rear strap at approximately a 60° angle to minimize the buckling problem and torque on the user's ankle. The rear strap is configured to minimize the natural “lift-off” of the user's heel relative to the foot pedal and the keel strap is configured to minimize the longitudinal slippage of the front strap and the rear strap relative to each other.

Each of the front strap, rear strap, and ankle strap may be adjustable using at least one snap buckle. A Velcro® fastener or attachment mechanism is sewn into each of the front strap, rear strap, and ankle strap to retain an end of the strap after buckling for reinforcement thereby minimizing the chance of slippage. Further, in the most preferred embodiments of the present invention, the front strap and the rear strap comprise user-adjustable straps to fit tightly around different sized foot pedals of different elliptical exercise machines. Likewise, the ankle strap may be adjustable for different ankle diameters and different sized shoes. The front strap allows for lateral adjustment of foot angle for comfort.

With the present invention, the pedal attachment provides a resistance in a return stroke of both a forward power stroke and a reverse power stroke by maintaining a connection between the user's foot and the foot pedal. The enhanced connection thereby allows active participation of both eccentric and concentric muscle groups in each forward power stroke and reverse power stroke.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The preferred embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like designations denote like elements, and:

FIG. 1 shows a preferred exemplary embodiment exercise of an exercise apparatus suitable for use in conjunction with an elliptical exercise machine;

FIG. 2 shows a preferred exemplary embodiment of the exercise apparatus of the present invention mounted onto a foot pedal of an elliptical exercise apparatus;

FIG. 3 shows a close-up view of an exercise apparatus in accordance with a preferred exemplary embodiment of the present invention being used in conjunction with an elliptical exercise machine;

FIG. 4 shows a preferred exemplary embodiment of the exercise apparatus of the present invention being used by a user in conjunction with an elliptical exercise machine; and

FIG. 5 is a flow chart for a method of using a preferred embodiment of the exercise apparatus of the present invention in conjunction with an elliptical exercise machine.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to FIG. 1 shows a pedal attachment 10 and

As shown in FIG. 1, in the most preferred embodiments of the present invention, ankle strap 24 is sewn to rear strap 20 at approximately a 60° angle to minimize the buckling problem and torque on the user's ankle. The 60° angle formed by the junction of ankle strap 24 where it connects to rear strap 20 maximizes comfort for the user over a simple 90° connection. Rear strap 20 is configured to minimize or prevent the lift-off of the user's heel from the pedal and keel strap 26 is configured to minimize the longitudinal slippage of the front strap 16 and rear strap 20.

In the most preferred embodiments of the present invention, each of front strap 16, rear strap 20, and ankle strap 24 are adjustable using an adjustable strap portion that is integrated with at least one snap buckle 32 for each of the straps. A Velcro® arrangement 34 is sewn into each of the front strap 16, rear strap 20, and ankle strap 24 to retain an end of the strap 36 after buckling for reinforcement thereby minimizing the chance of slippage.

Referring now to FIG. 2, apparatus 10 is depicted as being mounted onto a foot pedal 12 of an elliptical exercise machine 14 for maximizing the efficiency of time spent on the exercise machine. The pedal attachment 10 comprises a front strap 16 encircling a front portion 18 of the foot pedal 12, a rear strap 20 over a rear portion 22 of the foot pedal 12, an ankle strap 24 sewn both medially and laterally to the rear strap 20, and a keel strap 26 connecting the front strap 16 and the rear strap 20 wherein the keel strap 26 being on a bottom side 28 of the foot pedal 12. The front strap 16 secures a user's forefoot on a top side 30 of the foot pedal 12 and the rear strap 20 along with the ankle strap 24 secure the user's back foot on the top side 30 of the foot pedal 12. The pedal attachment 10 maintains a connection between the user's foot and the foot pedal 12 thereby minimizing the slippage and lift-off of the user's foot to maximize the effectiveness of the exercise.

Referring now to FIG. 3, front strap 16 and rear strap 20 may be adjustable to fit tightly around different sized foot pedals of different models of various elliptical exercise machines. Likewise, ankle strap 24 may be adjustable for different ankle diameters and different sized shoes. The actual length of keel strap 26 may be manufactured in multiple lengths to adequately accommodate any foot size and may be provided in different lengths for different groups of people (e.g., small, medium, or large or child and adult).

Referring now to FIG. 4, a preferred exemplary embodiment of the present invention is depicted being used in conjunction with an elliptical exercise machine. Though the front strap 16 firmly anchors the forefoot on the top side 30 of the foot pedal 12, front strap 16 allows for lateral adjustment of foot angle for comfort. This foot angle adjustability is important, as some users tend to run with their foot pointed straight forward, while some tend to place and maintain their foot position on the pedal with varying degrees of varus (inward) or valgus (outward) positioning.

Generally, during a forward power stroke on the elliptical exercise machine 14, the user's foot is pushed backward against the elliptical exercise machine's resistance and returned forward with minimal to no resistance. Conversely, during a reverse power stroke, the user's foot is pushed forward and returned backward with minimal to no resistance. In the forward power stroke, the primary concentric muscles employed in the exercise are the gluteals, hamstrings, and calves wherein the eccentric muscles, the abdominals, quadriceps, and tibials are mostly relaxed. In the reverse power stroke, the roles of the concentric and eccentric muscles are generally reversed, with one set of muscles being employed while the other set of muscles is relatively relaxed.

Referring now to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the pedal attachment 10 provides a resistance in a return stroke of both the forward power stroke and the reverse power stroke by maintaining a connection between the user's foot and the foot pedal 12. The enhanced connection thereby allows active participation of both eccentric and concentric muscle groups in each forward power stroke and reverse power stroke. Thus the tendency of most users to reverse the direction during a workout can be reduced, as running in either direction would result in exercising both muscle groups simultaneously using the present invention.

In the most preferred embodiments of the present invention, straps 16, 20, 24, and 26 are manufactured from a flexible and durable material (e.g., nylon) and snap buckle 32 may be manufactured using any relatively lightweight and durable material (e.g., plastic). Snap buckles 32 can be snapped variously for convenience and allows quick placement of the pedal attachment 10 onto the foot pedal 12. This also provides for convenient and quick entry and exit of the user's foot through ankle strap 24, with only one hand required to release each ankle and, correspondingly, each foot from the pedals. In addition, a safety release may be included in one or more of the plastic buckles. The safety release may be integrated into one or more of snap buckles 32 and be configured to disengage at a pre-determined stress point so as to minimize torsion on the foot or ankle of the user should the user happen to slip or fall from the elliptical trainer during exercise.

For instance, if a user continually exercises on the same elliptical exercise machine in their own home, the front strap 16 and the rear strap 20 may be left in place on the foot pedal 12 with only the ankle strap 24 needing to be opened and closed in order to use the pedal attachment 10. Alternatively, once the front strap 16 and rear strap 20 have initially been adjusted for size, the pedal attachment 10 can be easily used on any elliptical exercise machine in any location. This allows the user to quickly and efficiently attach the apparatus to the pedals of any known elliptical exercise machine.

Referring now to FIG. 5, a flow chart for a method 500 illustrates a method for using a preferred embodiment of the present invention in conjunction with an elliptical exercise machine. As shown in FIG. 5, it is anticipated that some users may be more comfortable attaching the apparatus to the shoe first (step 510) or attaching the apparatus to the elliptical machine (step 520). In either order, based on user preference, the user will perform steps 510 and 520 prior to performing the exercise on the elliptical exercise machine (step 530). After the exercise has been completed, based on user preference, the user will first remove the apparatus from the shoe (step 540) or first remove the apparatus from the elliptical exercise machine (step 550). In either order, based on user preference, the user will perform steps 540 and 550 after completing the exercise on the elliptical exercise machine.

From the foregoing description, it should be appreciated that apparatus and methods for providing introduction for the purpose of enhancing cardiovascular exercise activity is provided and presents significant benefits that would be apparent to one skilled in the art. Furthermore, while multiple embodiments have been presented in the foregoing description, it should be appreciated that a vast number of variations in the embodiments exist. Lastly, it should be appreciated that these embodiments are preferred exemplary embodiments only and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description provides those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing a preferred exemplary embodiment of the invention, it being understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements described in the exemplary preferred embodiment without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. 

1. An apparatus comprising a plurality of straps, the plurality of straps being configured to fix the relative position of at least one shoe to at least one pedal portion of an elliptical exercise machine.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said plurality of straps comprises: a front strap; a rear strap; an ankle strap; and a keel strap, the keel strap being affixed to the front strap and the rear strap, the ankle strap being affixed to the rear strap.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the plurality of straps comprises: a front strap, the front strap comprising a first buckle; a rear strap, the rear strap comprising a second buckle; an ankle strap, the ankle strap comprising a third buckle; and a keel strap, the keel strap being affixed to the front strap and the rear strap, the ankle strap being affixed to the rear strap.
 4. An apparatus for use in conjunction with an elliptical exercise machine, the apparatus comprising: a front strap encircling a front portion of a foot pedal of the elliptical exercise machine and securing a user's forefoot on a top side of the foot pedal; a rear strap over a rear portion of the foot pedal and including an ankle strap sewn both medially and laterally to the rear strap, the rear strap and the ankle strap secure a user's hind foot on the top side of the foot pedal; and a keel strap connecting the front strap and the rear strap, the keel strap being on a bottom side of the foot pedal; whereby the apparatus is configured to maintain a relative position between a user's foot and the foot pedal during an exercise routine, thereby minimizing any slippage and separation of the user's foot from the foot pedal, thereby maximizing the effectiveness of the exercise routine.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the apparatus provides for relative positional fixation between the user's foot and the foot pedal, providing a resistance in a return stroke of both a forward power stroke and a reverse power stroke thereby allowing active participation of at least one eccentric muscle group and at least one concentric muscle group in both of the forward power stroke and the reverse power stroke.
 6. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the front strap is configured to allow for lateral adjustment of a foot angle for comfort.
 7. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the rear strap is configured to minimize or prevent any separation of the user's heel relative to the foot pedal.
 8. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the ankle strap is affixed to the rear strap at approximately a 60° angle and configured to minimize any buckling and torque on a user's ankle.
 9. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the keel strap is configured to minimize any longitudinal slippage of the front strap and the rear strap.
 10. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein each of the front strap, rear strap, and ankle strap each comprise: an adjustable strap; and at least one snap buckle.
 11. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein a Velcro arrangement is sewn into each of the front strap, rear strap, and ankle strap to retain an end of the strap after buckling for reinforcement thereby minimizing the chance of slippage.
 12. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the front strap and the rear strap comprise adjustable straps, allowing the front strap and the rear strap to be adjusted to different sized foot pedals of different elliptical exercise machines.
 13. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the ankle strap comprises an adjustable ankle strap
 14. A method for achieving positional fixation of at least one user's foot relative to at least one pedal of an exercise machine, the method comprising the steps of: a) affixing an apparatus to the at least one user's foot; b) affixing the apparatus to the at least one pedal of the exercise machine; and c) performing an exercise routine on the exercise machine while wearing the apparatus.
 15. The method of claim 14 wherein step b) is performed before step a).
 16. The method of claim 14 wherein the apparatus comprises: a front strap; a rear strap; an ankle strap; and a keel strap, the keel strap being affixed to the front strap and the rear strap, the ankle strap being affixed to the rear strap.
 17. The method of claim 14 wherein each of the front strap, the rear strap and the ankle strap comprises an adjustable strap and a snap buckle.
 18. The method of claim 14 wherein the apparatus comprises: a front strap, the front strap comprising an adjustable strap and a snap buckle; a rear strap, the rear strap comprising an adjustable strap and a snap buckle; an ankle strap, the ankle strap comprising an adjustable strap and a snap buckle, the ankle strap being affixed both medially and laterally to the rear strap; and a keel strap, the keel strap being affixed to the front strap and the rear strap.
 19. The method of claim 14 further comprising the steps of: d) removing the apparatus from the at least one foot; and e) removing the apparatus from the at least one pedal.
 20. The method of claim 19 wherein step e) is performed before step d). 